If I'm moving myself, what other equipment do I need?
This is such a great question. There's nothing worse than starting to move your things onto the rental truck and you realize you're missing some key tools to make the move easier and safer. Here's my list of "must haves" if you're moving yourself:
Top Tools for Self-Moves
1. Furniture dolly and/or utility dolly: I can't tell you how much lifting and frustration a dolly and can save you. I often rent both types, depending on the number of people who are helping with the move. A utility dolly - the upright kind with two wheels - can be used to stack and move several boxes at once, saving your back and the possibility of dropping a box that contains breakables. Also, a furniture dolly, which has a large flat base with four wheels, is essential for moving large awkward items such as televisions. You just need to make sure the heavy items are well-secured.
2. Moving blankets or pads: I never used to rent moving blankets when I moved, as I thought they were a waste of money and the time needed to secure them to furniture. But now that I'm older, and I have pieces of furniture and items that I care about, I wrap everything that's precious with a moving blanket or pad. Blankets can be used to protect a couch from spills and dust. You'll find that moving blankets are pretty much indispensable.
3. Ropes and straps: Moving straps are another item that most people forget to include in their shopping list. Moving straps are a great tool for carrying heavy pieces such as a big-screen television or couch or anything that requires more than one set of hands. Moving straps also prevent back strains and can be used to secure items to a dolly or once they've been loaded on the truck. Ropes can be used the same way. It's just always good to keep extra on hand.
4. Packing tape and scissors: A mover's best friend! Keep packing tape and a pair of scissors with you at all times. Packing tape can be used to secure a blanket's corners, to repackage a box that had to be opened, or to secure furniture parts together.
5. Stair-roller: Of course, this only applies if you have stairs. But this little device has saved me a lot of effort. They're easy to attach, allowing heavy objects to be rolled down a set of stairs. This device is especially useful for carpeted stairs which can create resistance, making it difficult to slide a heavy object.
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